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THE European Union cannot rely on NATO to protect its member states from external threats and must develop a policy of collective defence that allows it to "act autonomously if and when necessary".

According to a new foreign policy document from the Brussels-based institution to be handed to EU leaders next week, a "credible European defence" is also essential to preserve good relations with the US.

The white paper adds: "While NATO exists to defend its members — most of which are European — from external attack, Europeans must be better equipped, trained and organised to contribute decisively to such collective efforts, as well as to act autonomously if and when necessary.

"A more credible European defence is essential also for the sake of a healthy transatlantic partnership with the United States."

While it stresses that "NATO remains the primary framework for most member states", it goes on to urge EU members to "channel a sufficient level of expenditure to defence".

The document continues: “We live in times of existential crisis, within and beyond the European Union.

“Our Union is under threat. Our European project, which has brought unprecedented peace, prosperity and democracy, is being questioned.

“To the east, the European security order has been violated, while terrorism and violence plague North Africa and the Middle East, as well as Europe itself.

“A fragile world calls for a more confident and responsible European Union, it calls for an outward- and forward-looking European foreign and security policy.”

The white paper will be seized on by Eurosceptics as proof of a plot to set up an EU army - a notion that has been widely dismissed by diplomats in Brussels and London.